SERVICE RIDE CONTROL MSG:

[jamesg]

Just left the mechanic shop and the Current Code SO61 remains. The one of the 3 mechanics working on my vehicle yesterday installing the alternator, saw me pull up, so he stopped working on a vehicle and walked up to be with a look of sadness or man here comes that guy with that NS again, and stated what's wrong this time Mr. So he took the wheel off to check for wires or something unplugged which may be the reason for the msg, because the msg certainly wasn't there yesterday when I brought it in. It only can up on the display as I was leaving the shop. He took off the right wheel and notice that the stable bar was loose and the bolt wasn't on. So he went into the shop and located another nut and fastner, however the bolt would only tighten to a certain point because its housing was stripped. We got it back in there however it isn't completely tighten. I must purchase new stable bars. Could this be the problem causing the msg SERVICE RIDE CONTROL? The mechanic stated he didn't see the bar loose on yesterday. I will replace both bars and let everyone know if the msgs clears. I cannot understand if the Bars were loose, how come the msg never displayed before? Also did one one of the mechanics have to removed the rod to get to the alternator, consequently not telling the other 2 mechanics trying to help him out? I am not an NS expert after 6 years ago posting on this site for the first time, I am still learning. I will continue to share my bad decisions and prevent others from taking the same route. I still will not get rid of my STS. One day soon I will be able to park it as my collector's item.

v/r

93 STS

[jackc]

SO 61 is a Right front position sensor fault.

The sway bar link should not have anything to do with it.

The position sensor is located on the car above the RF lower control arm. There is a rod that goes from the control arm to the sensor. 3 possibilities come to mind right off hand:

The rod could be disconnected

The sensor could have a bad connection

The sensor could be bad.

Here's some technical info.........

S061 RF Position Sensor Fault

TEST CONDITIONS:

The RSS module monitors the position sensor data for a sensor out of range condition. The signal is out of range if it is under voltage (0.25 V) or over voltage (4.75 V) or if an invalid data condition is signaled.

FAULT CONDITIONS:

If the signal is out of range for more than 1/2 second at a vehicle speed greater than 5 MPH, the error is set.

ACTION TAKEN:

Set code, turn on "SERVICE RIDE CONTROL:" message, command all four dampers to firm.

DESCRIPTION:

The RSS module monitors the position sensor data for a sensor out of range condition. The signal is out of range if it is under voltage (0.25 V) or over voltage (4.75 V) or if an invalid data condition is signaled. If the signal is out of range for more than 1/2 second at a vehicle speed greater than 5 MPH, the error is set.

NOTES ON FAULT TREE:

To diagnose this condition:

Clear codes,

Enter output cycling,

Manipulate affected wiring,

Shake and/or tap the sensor,

Recheck for codes.

The Position Sensor Fault code may set due to the corresponding Position Sensor Overcurrent code being set. If this is the case, the overcurrent code must be diagnosed first.

Car must be sitting with full vehicle weight on its wheels for this measurement. Measuring on a hoist with wheels hanging may lead to incorrect diagnosis.

DO NO BACKPROBE SENSORS OR DAMPERS

WHEN ALL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS ARE COMPLETE, CLEAR CODES AND VERIFY OPERATION

[jamesg]

Excellent advise. I appreciate any help I can get. I will go out and check.

v/r

93 STS

[Poobah]

I'm not 100% sure of this but it sounds like a problem I had with my '94 a couple of years ago.

Take a look under the right front of the car and see if there is a small black plastic-like rod (about the size of a pencil) dangling from the suspension to a point very near the ground. If so, the free end needs to be inserted into the end of the tube-like device dangling from a point on the suspension just above it. Just unsnap the ball joint connector on the rod from the suspension, insert the free end into the tube, and resnap the ball joint.

This little rod and tube assembly is what tells the computer the position of the right front suspension. Sometimes, when a Cadillac is up on a hoist, the rod comes out of the tube and sets the code.

If this is your problem, the code will go away and it will have been the easiest repair you ever made.

[jamesg]

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL MSG: Went away, I took the vechile back Sat Morning, and the same mechanic working on the alternator began look for the sensor. Again I was pacing in the forbidden zone (the shop) trying to show him where the sensor should be. He finally found the sensor and re-connected it. It was dangling downward as described earlier posted on the board. I explained to the shop that the sway bars wasn't electronic and should have noting to do with the msg. They were kinda hesitated but they listened anyway. Again we have a good mechanic but may know very little about the NS and will not admit it. The current code SO61 was reset msg went away and STS back to normal. A very long week. Having to work 12-13 hour shifts 6 days per week and trying to get a NS repaired don't mix. Special thanks to JACKC and POOBAH for your inputs, they were of great help.

v/r

93 STS